Houston area submerged after 16 inches of rain in 24 hours

HOUSTON - Storms have dumped more than a foot of rain in the Houston area, flooding dozens of neighborhoods and forcing the closure of city offices and the suspension of public transit. The National Weather Service says the area received up to 16 inches of rain in the 24 hours through Monday morning. Mayor Sylvester Turner says city offices will be closed Monday and is encouraging people to stay home and avoid high water areas. Classes have been cancelled for the Houston Independent School District's 215,000 students. Meteorologist Tom Bradshaw says about 70 Houston subdivisions are flooded, as well as parts of Interstate 10. Flash flood watches have been issued through Tuesday morning for Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler-Longview and as far east as Texarkana.